Euxton Villa win the First Division North Play-Off Final!
Wed 30th April 2025 | Euxton Villa | By Jay Cooper
Euxton Villa won promotion to Step 5 last Saturday afternoon, beating Droylsden 2-0 away from home in the NWCFL First Division North play-off final.
They had booked their place in the final the weekend before, and they’d done it the hard way. After a tense 1-1 away draw with Nelson, penalties were required to determine who would make the final, and Matty Atherton’s men came out on top, winning 10-9 on spot kicks.
Villa were again away from home in the all-important match, facing Droylsden at the Bloods’ own Butchers Arms. There was an official attendance figure of 2,568 for this game – far and away the highest attendance for any Step 6 games that weekend from across the country.
Alex Colquhoun got the first goal of the afternoon for Villa on 30 minutes, after a great ball by Finnley Kent from the left had set the midfield man up perfectly for a tap in.
Just six minutes later and the lead was doubled. Kai Shorrock pinged the ball into the box from a tight space, and the delivery was converted by Rajwinder Uppal to create some serious daylight between the two sides.
Half time came and went, and it was all about holding the fort for Villa in the second period of play. Their back line, with goalkeeper Oliver Lombard as the linchpin, did the job that was needed of them, with Droylsden’s second half chances being few and far between.
After six minutes of stoppage time at the end of the game, the full-time whistle came and allowed Matty Atherton and his players to celebrate promotion to Step 5, at the third time of asking when it comes to play-off campaigns that Euxton Villa have competed in.
Days after the game, and presumably after some recovery time, manager Atherton said, “Saturday was a momentous occasion for the club and every credit needs to go to all those involved both on and off the field. This has been a team effort over a number of years from players, management and most importantly, all the volunteers.
“Full credit to Droylsden for not only giving us a good game but also doing a fantastic job of hosting a tremendous crowd of over 2,500 people. They are a well-drilled side who play good football; however, I think it is fair to say we were more than deserving of the victory following a phenomenal physical effort from all those involved.
“I felt that both in and out of possession we showed more desire and quality to make it count when it mattered, and we did a great job of shutting up shop in the second half."
“Having felt like the bridesmaid in recent years in our previous play-off campaigns, it was great to see us step up on the big occasion. It’s a privilege to take charge of a fantastic group of players and to achieve our ambitions.
“Considering the resources at our disposal and where we have come from in such a short space of time, it really speaks volumes about all those involved. I’m absolutely delighted to be playing in the NWCFL Premier Division next season and we’re all looking forward to the challenge that brings.”
Congratulations to all those involved at Euxton Villa!
Euxton Villa win the First Division North Play-Off Final!
Wed 30th April 2025 | Euxton Villa
By Jay Cooper
Euxton Villa won promotion to Step 5 last Saturday afternoon, beating Droylsden 2-0 away from home in the NWCFL First Division North play-off final.
They had booked their place in the final the weekend before, and they’d done it the hard way. After a tense 1-1 away draw with Nelson, penalties were required to determine who would make the final, and Matty Atherton’s men came out on top, winning 10-9 on spot kicks.
Villa were again away from home in the all-important match, facing Droylsden at the Bloods’ own Butchers Arms. There was an official attendance figure of 2,568 for this game – far and away the highest attendance for any Step 6 games that weekend from across the country.
Alex Colquhoun got the first goal of the afternoon for Villa on 30 minutes, after a great ball by Finnley Kent from the left had set the midfield man up perfectly for a tap in.
Just six minutes later and the lead was doubled. Kai Shorrock pinged the ball into the box from a tight space, and the delivery was converted by Rajwinder Uppal to create some serious daylight between the two sides.
Half time came and went, and it was all about holding the fort for Villa in the second period of play. Their back line, with goalkeeper Oliver Lombard as the linchpin, did the job that was needed of them, with Droylsden’s second half chances being few and far between.
After six minutes of stoppage time at the end of the game, the full-time whistle came and allowed Matty Atherton and his players to celebrate promotion to Step 5, at the third time of asking when it comes to play-off campaigns that Euxton Villa have competed in.
Days after the game, and presumably after some recovery time, manager Atherton said, “Saturday was a momentous occasion for the club and every credit needs to go to all those involved both on and off the field. This has been a team effort over a number of years from players, management and most importantly, all the volunteers.
“Full credit to Droylsden for not only giving us a good game but also doing a fantastic job of hosting a tremendous crowd of over 2,500 people. They are a well-drilled side who play good football; however, I think it is fair to say we were more than deserving of the victory following a phenomenal physical effort from all those involved.
“I felt that both in and out of possession we showed more desire and quality to make it count when it mattered, and we did a great job of shutting up shop in the second half."
“Having felt like the bridesmaid in recent years in our previous play-off campaigns, it was great to see us step up on the big occasion. It’s a privilege to take charge of a fantastic group of players and to achieve our ambitions.
“Considering the resources at our disposal and where we have come from in such a short space of time, it really speaks volumes about all those involved. I’m absolutely delighted to be playing in the NWCFL Premier Division next season and we’re all looking forward to the challenge that brings.”
Congratulations to all those involved at Euxton Villa!
